‘What do you value more – kindness or intelligence?’ A trans couple’s hunt for the perfect sperm donor – one stranger at a time

Performance artist Krishna Istha with their partner Logan Rea. First Trimester sees audience members apply to be interviewed by Istha on stage as prospective sperm donors. Photograph: Jordon Rossi and Emily Drake

For the London-based writer, performer and comedian Krishna Istha, a creative approach to finding a sperm donor came naturally – and resulted in a heartwarming and evocative show. First Trimester, which has been performed around the world and is next heading to the Melbourne fringe festival in October, sees potential sperm donors apply to be interviewed live on stage by Istha, a trans artist who is hunting for a donor to start a family with their partner, who is also trans.

During a 10-minute interview, Istha connects with each person as an individual, rather than the clinical information sperm banks usually provide about donors. Discussions range from the philosophical: “What do you value more – kindness or intelligence?” to cultural lore: “Have you watched The Princess Diaries?”